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Reviews

While the school has great programs I give a 1-star rating because I believe they should admit young women--as one of the best high schools in the bay area I think they are now obligated to admit young women. While I understand the merits of single-sex education it doesn't seem very 'modern', though it may be 'traditional'. I think parents should organize to fight for a change if only for the students, because having a co-ed education will prepare them much better for the modern workforce.

- submitted by a community member

August 16, 2014

Best school around. I also attended Harker through 8th grade (excellent) but Bellarmine produces well rounded men. Excellent athletics, speech and debate program, academics, and caring teachers. Students get along very well with each other and are very proud of the success of all programs. "Man for others" is the motto and BCP does a great job preparing "boys" into becoming "men". All of my friends have become very successful in their life (i.e. marriage, work, etc)

- submitted by a student

June 23, 2014

One of the best schools in California. Definitely best in the bay area. School has quality diverse students from all walks on life attending (through financial scholarships), not just wealthy people who live in particular zip code. Good preparation for actual college life, except no women, which they will probably have to change at some point.

- submitted by a parent

December 07, 2012

This is a perfect high school for students having potentials and perfering challenging. From LinkedIn statistics, Harker, Bellarmine and some other excellent schools such as Lynbrook occupied half number students entering top private schools at graduations. Bellarmin has also more percentage at lawyer and financial area.

- submitted by a parent

October 21, 2012

Unfortunately, I didn't exactly fit in with the GO BELLS! attitude that one is commonly subjected to. I also don't think the all boys atmosphere is that great as it isn't a realistic representation of "real life."

- submitted by a student

September 12, 2012

Bellarmine is not a high school, it is a college prep. Bellarmine prepares all young men for their future not just academically but spiritually. They gave the young men a foundation to success in the challenging world. I remember last year we bumped into a Bell alumni, he is still in UCLA, telling us that one of the classes in UCLA was very easy as the materials and teaching lessons are the same as the class he took in Bellarmine. Forgot to mention more than 50% of their buildings were built in the last few years, a new gym and theatre, etc. a very nice campus. Go Bell!

- submitted by a parent

July 07, 2011

Literally every teacher that I had this past year was beyond helpful and seriously engaged me into all of my material. Not only did they explain everything amazingly, but they made all of the work seem very interesting. Even subjects that I normally would despise, such as biology, suddenly became amusing and fun to learn due to how the teachers presented the material. Not to mention, the facilities at this school are continually growing and the students have a great opportunity to work in state of the ark classrooms. Also, the equipment being used for certain classes is PROFESSIONAL GRADE. For example, my Graphic Design class allowed me to use $4,000 macs, an acoustically-sound green screen room, industrial grade lighting, and the newest CS5 software (for illustrator and photoshop). Surprising as this may sound, the social life at this school is the best in the world! Being with your guy friends all day long makes it so you can truly be yourself, clown around, grow a strong bond between them, and not worry about impressing girls. Also, EVERY SINGLE sports team at Bell is top notch, and we also boast over 100 clubs that range from the Filipino Student Union to Guitar Club.

- submitted by a student

March 16, 2011

Phenomenal school! My oldest graduated from here and my 2nd is a Sophomore. They develop young men to be capable, responsible, worldly, compassionate human beings. They emphasize leadership and the graduates basically populate the who's-who list of Silicon Valley business and government leaders. The school excels in every endeavor.. Academics are outstanding and require focus and effort to keep up to the bar. Sports are also stellar--and they get there by developing the student, not just by admitting star athletes. Extra curricular activities are a requirement. There are groups and activities for all interests from sports to music to debate to theatre to robotics. The school trains the whole individual, not just academics or sports. When your son goes to Bellarmine, he is joining a fraternal order--all Bellarmine boys have a shared experience and they are truly a cut above the others. When you meet a Bellarmine boy, you remember it. The community (think "family") is amazing as well. Our family went through an extremely difficult time and the school staff and the parents org's were truly wonderful, helping us along with every kind of support.. I am deeply grateful.

- submitted by a parent

December 31, 2010

Bellarmine is a school that gives young men the opportunity to change the way that us old folk live.

- submitted by a parent

January 23, 2010

This is a great school with awesome teachers and students. There is a special brotherhood that will last forever with the students here.

- submitted by a student

December 05, 2009

Bellarmine has given my son a life long education in life. Bellarmine not have great academics with teachers graduating from Ivy League school, Bellarmine also teaches morals and values which is priceless. As a single parent, I needed to have stability and discipline in my son's life that he has become men for others. Thank you Bellarmine for helping raise my son to be the great young man that he is. May God continually bless all of us. Thank you.

- submitted by a parent

September 15, 2009

Bellarmine provides lifelong networks for future success.

- submitted by a community member

June 07, 2009

Bellarmine is the epitome of quality Jesuit education. As a parent of a son who graduated in 2008, I can say that they did create 'a man for others,' and I look forward to sending his younger brother to Bellarmine next fall. While it is a school that embraces compassion, service, and social justice, no student gets an easy ride. Grades are earned through hard work. An 89.4 percent still shows up as a B+ on a report card (not an A-). In the end, the boys have the satisfaction of graduating with exceptional skills in writing and critical thinking. 'Passing' AP exams, means not just getting by with a 3, but earning a 5 out of 5. Tough? Yes, but also appreciated by students who not only return to see favorite teachers, some return to teach at Bellarmine after college!

- submitted by a parent

no rating
May 19, 2008

Bellarmine is a great High School. It offers great academic programs and teaches every student the importance of respect and tolerance towards many issues. The atmospher is great for both the student and the parent. The performing arts area at Bellarmine is by far on of the best i have seen at the high school level. And lets not forget that Bellarmine has sent out great people into our community, just like D.J. Frandsen and his brother Kevin Frandsen, who now plays for our very own San Francisco Giants...Kevin Frandsen attended SJSU on a full scholarship and graduated with a major in Finance, while still playing Baseball, now only Bellarmine could prep its students to have the full capacity to be many things in life.

- submitted by a parent

January 25, 2008

Bellarmine is a grrrrreat school

- submitted by a parent

March 27, 2007

My son attended Bellarmine and entered as a shy, hesitant person; in four years he emerged a confident, well-spoken, poised young man. His verbal and written skills blossomed under the traditional Jesuit approach; he developed his critical thinking and inquiry skills to such a degree that he chose a Philosophy major in college. He learned discipline, an expectation that high grades require hard work, and the ability to handle disappointment when things didn't go his way. Bellarmine tells you they will take your son and give you back a man, and they are right. Although my daughter attends a fine girls' school, my feelings for it no way compare to the fondness I have for Bellarmine and their contribution to making my son who he is today. When you meet a Bell, you know it. They are polite, love their moms, and shake your hand confidently. There is a Bell legacy!

- submitted by a parent

March 26, 2007

Bellarmine isn't for everyone and the farther away your child lives from San Jose, the harder it may be to fit in with the San Jose money crowd, even if you live in Hillsborough. The academics are excellent but if your son doesn't place well his freshman year, it will be hard for him to jump to accelerated or honors classes his sophomore year. It's also real bummer if your child tries out for a sports team and doesn't make it, but for a confident kid who is willing to jump into a big pond, Bellarmine is a great place.

- submitted by a parent

September 08, 2006

My son is an alumni at Bellarmine. Now that my son is in his 2nd year at SCU, I can have a better sense of what Bellarmine has given to my son. First of all, I'd researched throughout the San Francisco bay area on which school to place my gifted son in. I've looked at schools in SF, the Peninsula, East Bay and Inland and Bellarmine has come to the top of the list, hands down. The curriculum has challenged my son, the sense of belonging, community, the brotherhood 'men for others' all continues well after he'd graduated. I know that my son will always have 'his brothers' through life. He'd so far met other alumni and the instant bond forms as soon as they find out that my son was a Bellarmine graduate. Bellarmine has prepared my son with things that he'd encounter academically and does it with ease.

- submitted by a parent

May 16, 2006

Top quality academics along with a nurturing and caring environment really makes bellarmine college prep one of the best places to educate and mold a 'man for others'

- submitted by a student

May 04, 2006

The academics are great and there is so many activities, coolest school every by far

- submitted by a student

April 24, 2006

Bellarmine has excellent academic program. Students can excell way beyond the grade level and their are encourage to do so. Teacher retention ratio is very high, and a lot of them have postgraduate degrees from colleges like Stanford or Berkeley. Bellarmine has great sport program. They lead in many afters school activities. Their debate, robotics teams score highest in state. 99% of graduates attend college. Parents involvement is very high, but not obligatory.

- submitted by a parent

no rating
March 30, 2006

Really extraordinary school. A sense of community that is unparalleled. It is a Catholic school for Catholic families, however, non-Catholics are welcome. Non-Catholic families often feel isolated. The level of instruction is extraordinary. Most graduates go on to the most selective colleges in the country. Last year, 48% of the graduates attended a university that was on the London Times list of the '200 Best Universities in the World.' Bellarmine is the oldest high school in California, and as a Jesuit high school, it encourages critical thinking, regular questioning and higher level thought. About 40% of all applicants get into the school. They have one of the finest speech and debate programs in the country, regularly winning state and national competitions. They have the best sports program in Northern California. They are ethinically diverse.

- submitted by a parent

March 25, 2006

Very High academic programs and great variety of classes. Teachers are helpful and avalilable. Lots of extracurriculum activities and clubs to choose from. Parents are welcome to volunteer to the degree they can.

- submitted by a parent

March 21, 2006

This is the best investment that parents can provide for their son(s). As a graduate of Bellarmine who went on to be a mentor in college, I've seen the value of such a great education. Acadmically, it can't be beat (in Northern California)> Every student is there to get prepared for college. No girls means no drama between teens,etc. This really is much more valuable than one might think (I've seen so many students get caught up in the MTV reality-shows and go to school thinking it's all about girls/boys.. Religious views are presented at Bellarmine, not forced upon. There is also a great sense of history at Bellarmine, a sense of family. Bellarmine also teaches the importance of social awareness and service, which are just as important as math skills and a new language learned.. Bellarmine graduates students who are prepared academically as well as socially.

- submitted by a student

February 07, 2006

Great place for boys to become well rounded, caring, college ready young men.

- submitted by a parent

September 15, 2005

Bellarmine is a wonderful private high school with many excelled academic and extra curricular activities. Despite the fact that your son will at first dislike the idea of not having females in the school, he will come to realize a greater good to that factor. Your son will thank the fact that if he has concerns or questions about a topic during class, he will not be ashamed to ask those questions. He will excell in class because there is no pressure in feeling 'dumb'. Bellarmine also provides many chances for social time with girls, we have monthly mixers, and also are invited to our neighboring girl schools Presentation and Notre Dame. Bellarmine provides technological advances in learning, and also has a great atmosphere for it. For your children who love sports, we are ranked number one in our diocese and have won many CCS title championships.

- submitted by a student

July 02, 2005

Very competetive environment, not right for everyone.

- submitted by a parent

May 24, 2005

Bellarmine is one of the best academic schools in the Silicon Valley area. The clases are challenging and grading is very strict especially in the sciences. The honors curriculum is rigorous and compares well with AP classes in other schools, no extra credits and students are expected to keep up or drop the class. Most of the teachers are very experienced and have a caring attitude and takes time to ensure everyone keeps up. The school has national ranking in speech and debate and has been California state champion. The robotics team is in at the same level. Sports are usually outstanding with most teams winning their league on a perennial basis and placing finalists in state sectional and state tournaments. School is well organized with daily web mail updates. There is a very serious academic atmosphere and success in all areas are expected.

- submitted by a parent

April 07, 2005

This is the best school in the area, bar none. Bellarmine is a serious college-prep environment and high effort and performance is expected from each student. Activities are amazing. The school competes and succeeds on the national level in every activity from journalism to water polo. Expect your child to work hard at this school, but expect great results.

- submitted by a student

January 21, 2005

I had my sons go here and they loved it. They got a great education, in addition to getting well-rounded exposure to everything from social justice, community service, debating, to athletics. Top notch school and perhaps the best in the San Francisco bay area.

- submitted by a parent

October 06, 2004

an excellent school with a strong emphasis on social justice.

- submitted by a parent

September 21, 2004

Bellarmine College Prep, ideal school for our grandson, who achieved 'A' grades in his studies throughout public elementary schools while concurrently participating in athletics, community and religious outreach series. My grandson needed greater academic stimulation challenges; as well as, outstanding learning institution to prepare him academically, mentally and socially for his life experience in a top ranked college/university studies program. Bellarmine provides quality academics, social interaction, development of character, ethics and respect for mankind. Bellarmine s faculty and administration teach and practice principles of high integrity, morality, honesty, leadership and challenge their students to succeed. Bellarmine continues to raise the bar and standards of academic studies, achieving goals and teaches to overcome setbacks and prepare students for life in the real world. When a Bellarmine graduate leaves for college and ultimately manhood, he is prepared to succeed and contribute anywhere, any place, any time in The World. All my grandsons will attend Bellarmine.

- submitted by a parent

August 23, 2004

I have a son that goes to this school and the school is gret with sports and extra activities for them to keep busy with. Every day my son gets home from school he spends at least 3 hours of homework and studying. The teachers at this school are very strict and explain the material very good an if the stdent does not understand the material all of the teachers are always available after school where the student can go in and get extra help from the teachers.

- submitted by a parent

June 02, 2004

My son just completed his first year as a freshman at Bellarmine. He has absolutely loved his experience at Bell and so have we! It is a loving community filled with warmth and humour. The academics are top-notch and so are the boys that attend this very special school. As parents, all of our encounters with staff and other families have been very positive and rewarding. We feel priveledged to have our son attend such a wonderful school.

- submitted by a parent

April 02, 2004

I attended the school along with my brothers and I sent both my sons there and I am sure they will send their sons there too. It is a wonderful experience and wholly prepares the boys for college. My sons thought college was easy because they were so prepared when they got there.

- submitted by a student

August 19, 2003

I am a very proud parent of a recent Bellarmine graduate. I believe Bellarmine's success over the last 100 years is it's commitment to service, loyalty and education that helped create very remarkable citizens. My son has made friendships that will last his whole life. Bellarmine prepared him for success in college and I am confident he will meet the challenges. I am grateful for his teachers and all the administration that guided him through his teen years. We will miss the community at Bellarmine!!

- submitted by a parent

August 10, 2003

Haha, as if I am a parent. My name is Esteban parker, and I am soon to be a Sophomore going to Bellarmine ^_^ My Freshman year was great! I had never had so many friends and people to now. The diversity of acitivities, all of the classes with great teachers, and a ton of stuff that I am wholey impressed at. Today, while riding with my parents to Monte Clair, I was looking out the window at the ocean as we passed the bridge when I thought of the school I would be returning to. The thought that all these ties and bonds of friendships will continue after the four years are up filled me woith happiness, and I can't wait to come. ^_^ Thank ya

- submitted by a community member

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